Kentucky Vintage Whiskey
Kentucky Vintage dares to do something few bourbons attempt: to be light and elegant in a world that often rewards heavy and powerful. Willett Distillery ages the whiskey over 12 years to get there, far longer than most competitors dare wait. |
About Kentucky Vintage
Kentucky Vintage is produced by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, better known as Willett Distillery, and is a Small Batch Bourbon with an unusually long maturation period of over 12 years, notably longer than most competitors' standard releases. The extended aging gives a light, elegant flavour profile with notes of ginger, butter and apple, in sharp contrast to sister brand Pure Kentucky XO's bolder, more rustic style of cinnamon and clove. Collectors find the high age statement rare at this price point, while newcomers meet a softer, more accessible bourbon style.
History & Background
Willett Distillery, the family-owned firm behind Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, has since 1935 distilled and aged whiskey in Bardstown, both under its own brands and for outside clients. Kentucky Vintage was developed as one of the house's two Small Batch brands alongside Pure Kentucky XO, both deliberately created to demonstrate the same family's ability to hit very different styles from the same distillery. The long maturation period of over 12 years reflects Willett's philosophy that time in the barrel is an investment that pays off in complexity, an approach that has made the family firm one of the most respected names among Kentucky's independent distilleries.
History & Background
The Willett family has distilled in Bardstown since 1936 and survived decades in which many competitors were bought out or closed, by periodically focusing on selling bulk whiskey to other brands. Kentucky Vintage is part of the house's effort to re-establish itself as an independent, recognised bourbon producer after this long interlude.
Production & Style
The bourbon is blended from several casks without a set age statement, allowing a consistent, well-balanced flavour profile from batch to batch.
Signature Style
Caramel, Round, Classic
Caramel and vanilla meet a light, dry spice finish – a classic, accessible Kentucky bourbon in the spirit of the Willett family.
Facts
| Distillery | Willett Distillery |
| Founded | 1936 |
| Pronounced | Ken-tak-ki Vin-ta-sje |
| Region | Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Country | USA |
| Owner | The Willett family |
| Official website | willettdistillery.com |
Did You Know?
The Willett family survived decades of low public visibility by selling whiskey in bulk to other brands, a period today regarded as one of the bourbon industry's most interesting survival stories.
Like Kentucky Vintage? You should also try:
Willett, Four Roses and Maker's Mark.